Places to go and things to see by Gypsy Bev

Posts tagged ‘concert’

One of the best entertainment values for your dollar can be found in Cambridge, Ohio through the Cambridge Concert Association. For Senior Citizens, it is a real bargain at $25 per year. This includes four concerts at our home theater, Scottish Rite Auditorium, plus four reciprocating concerts at each of three other locations: Zanesville, Lancaster, and Alliance. What a deal!

These concerts are varied and appeal to many types of music lovers varying from classical music to vocal and dance. Usually at least once a year, an old favorite will appear such as recent appearances by the Osmonds and Tony Orlando.

One recent concert was given by Michael Sonata, who does a very life-like presentation of Frank Sinatra, “Ol’ Blue Eyes.” He played to a full house and the crowd loved him. Michael is from Canton, OH and graduated from University of Notre Dame as well as earning his masters degree from Kent State University.

Auditioning for a role in a local murder-mystery, The Contraltos, Michael developed his entertaining re-creation of Sinatra’s music and unique style of singing. He does such a meticulous job of matching his voice as well as his movements to those of Sinatra that several people said they couldn’t tell the difference, especially if they closed their eyes.

Over the years, he has expanded by including different Sinatra moods: young innocence of The Columbia years, swinging revival of The Capitol years, and confidence of the Chairman during the Reprise years. He now uses over 90 songs that Sinatra has recorded and constantly adds new ones to his repertoire.

Backed up by a great 12 piece band, there was lots of variety along with some excellent instrumental solos by different sections of the band. Included were such hits as: “Stranger in the Night,” “My Way,” and “Night and Day.”

Cambridge was indeed fortunate to have the “Ol’ Blue Eyes” experience through the presence of Michael Sonata, one of the most sought after Frank Sinatra tribute artists in the country.

Join the Cambridge Concert Association at any of their programs as they are always enjoyable and filled with a variety of musical styles that are sure to satisfy music lovers in the area. Concerts are sponsored in part by the Ohio Arts Council and Pennsylvania Arts on Tour.

Everyone aboard to hear the Irish singer, Daniel O’Donnell? Time for the Buckeye Tours’ coach to leave Cambridge, OH and head north to Cleveland. There are two coaches filled with Daniel fans from the Southeastern Ohio area. They are anticipating a fun filled day listening to their favorite singer.

The sky is heavy with clouds but the spirits are not dampened by the dark clouds overhead. As we head North, the sun peeks through the clouds now and then giving the effect of a spotlight on a farm on the hillside.

First stop was at the Hometown Buffet in Akron for a delicious but quick lunch. What is more important today, Daniel or lunch? There is no question with this group! Lunch was very good and their coconut cream pie brought memories of Aunt Julie’s pies to mind. Yum!

Seating is very comfortable on the Buckeye Tours Coach. We have Carol for our guide and she is lively and friendly with lots of trivia about the city of Cleveland and she points out The Jake, Tower City, and Terminal Tower build in the 1920s. Of course, we see lots of old friends from previous trips and even a neighbor or two in the group.

Arriving in downtown Cleveland at the Allen Theater, the bus pulls right up to the door. That makes it quick and easy to get into the theater. We are all sitting right in the middle so our view is perfect!

Daniel and Mary Duff along with their band of many years put on quite a performance. Daniel and Mary have been singing together for 24 years so their voices blend perfectly on any song they sing. Their energy level is amazing as after three hours, both are dancing full steam ahead as well as singing.

Daniel has a soft spot in his heart for older ladies as his Mom in Ireland is very special in his life. After intermission he takes time to sing a special song to a lady who is 103. Then he dances the polka with a lady celebrating her 91st birthday. The crowd loves him!

Daniel has made it a tradition to close his shows with “How Great Thou Art”, which makes your heart fill with joy to hear the entire crowd join him in that spiritual song. Gives you hope that all will be fine in the world.

We are the last bus to leave but we have enjoyed the day. The sky is clearing now making way for a safe trip back to Southeastern Ohio. One last stop at Arlington Exit for a sandwich and drink at a great selection of fast food restaurants. We have worked up an appetite singing and swaying to the music all afternoon.

Back in Cambridge we say our goodbyes and thank Jennifer for her great job driving the bus today. She made us all feel safe on the journey. It was a great day for another road trip.